Leh, Aug 16: Underlining the importance of preserving centuries-old traditional art such as Thangka painting, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, said that efforts must be made to promote traditional arts and crafts and make them commercially viable so that more youth are drawn towards them. He also emphasised the need to motivate and reward deserving sportspersons from Ladakh who bring laurels to the region, adding that the Ladakh Sports Policy is a step in that direction.
Mr. Rajesh Ranjan, Vice-Chancellor of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Choglamsar—the oldest university in the region, established in 1959 under the guidance of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche—called on the Lt Governor at the LG Secretariat today. He briefed him about the Institute, its student strength, and the courses offered. He also informed him about the upcoming inauguration of the Sowa Rigpa Hospital in September by the Hon’ble Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
The Lt Governor called for immediate measures to preserve traditional art forms such as Thangka painting and Amchi practices. He stressed the importance of making these crafts commercially viable and suggested organising internship programmes for beginners to ensure their preservation for future generations.
Ms. Rinchen Youdol, an exceptional Para-Taekwondo athlete from Ladakh, and Mr. Skalzang Dorjey Kalyan, the first cricketer from Ladakh to represent the region at the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament as part of the J&K cricket team, also met with the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor reiterated the UT Administration’s commitment to recognising and rewarding sportspersons. He assured that the upcoming Sports Policy would encourage more youth to actively participate in sports.
Ven. Stanzin Gurmet, Vice-President of the Buddhist Association Kargil, also called on the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor underlined that steps would be taken to protect ancient heritage sites in Ladakh and develop them into potential tourist destinations, thereby creating livelihood opportunities for the local population.
